The Thomistic Institute Why is Thomism so Fixated on Predestination? – Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Dec 16, 2025
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican scholar and editor in the Thomistic tradition, dives into the significance of predestination in Thomism. He argues that this doctrine is central to understanding God, creation, and salvation. Exploring themes like divine providence and the creator-creature distinction, he highlights how predestination unites various aspects of Thomistic philosophy. Fr. Cuddy also discusses its implications for human freedom and moral life, emphasizing its necessity for conversion and grace.
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Predestination As Thomism's Unifying Axis
- Predestination sits at the center of Thomism because it unites its philosophical and theological commitments into a single account.
- Fr. Cajetan Cuddy argues the doctrine connects God, creation, grace, and salvation across the Thomistic system.
Friendship Formed Over Predestination
- Fr. Cajetan Cuddy recounts meeting Father Bonino and bonding immediately over predestination.
- He and Father Bonino discovered they first encountered Thomas Aquinas through questions about predestination.
Contingency Makes Predestination Necessary
- Thomists hold our universe is contingent and therefore in need of predestination from God.
- Predestination is located in God's intellect and orders creatures toward the supernatural end of the beatific vision.